We have seen unusual fluorescence behaviours in natural pink and brown diamonds, when exposed to ultraviolet and infrared light. These behaviours are due to transfers of electrons and energy between different types of defects in the diamond crystal (including defects which cause the diamond’s colour). Understanding these interactions is a step towards finally identifying the cause of pink colouration in natural diamond.

Authors: Byrne, KS, Chapman, JG, Luiten, AN

Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter 26 (11), 115504 (2014)

Work in collaboration with Rio Tinto Diamonds and the University of Western Australia.